Palermo & the Evolution of the City
8 Days
Palermo, Sicily
Once the epicenter of successive empires and cultures—from Phoenicians and Greeks to Arabs, Normans, and Spanish—Sicily bears the imprint of centuries of migration, conquest, and exchange. Palermo, its capital, offers a concentrated case study of these forces, where the island’s history unfolds not only in its monuments but also in the rhythms of daily life, as ancient elements coexist and overlap with the modern city.
This course examines Palermo through the lens of urban morphology: how cities develop, adapt, and interact with both human and natural forces. Participants will consider questions of urban resilience—what happens when cities must be intentionally rebuilt after disaster, and how they evolve organically over time in dialogue with their environment.
Drawing on history, archaeology, anthropology, and architecture, the course offers a multidimensional way of understanding the city. While Palermo provides the focal point, the aim is broader: to consider how all cities embody the layers of their past, determine the physical shape of their cultures, and continue to reinvent themselves in the face of changing human needs and natural environments.
The Elements of Elective
✔️ Field Seminars – Instructor-led sessions that bring the subject to life through on-site learning.
✔️ Self-Guided Study – Dedicated time to explore independently within the course framework.
✔️ Daily Discussions – Small cohorts (max 10 participants) reflect together on what they’re learning and experiencing.
✔️ Expert Instructors – Scholars and practitioners deeply engaged in their fields.
The Elective Approach
✔️ The Destination Is Your Textbook – Understand a place through its ideas, history, and culture.
✔️ Academics, Not Tourism – No lectures, no tests—just serious learning in a setting that connects to the subject.
✔️ Beyond Sightseeing – Travel with intention—leave with insight, not just photos.
✔️ Comfort & Service – A premium experience with thoughtful details and personalized support.
Course Schedule
Sunday
Arrivals
Check into Hotel
Meet your cohort for drinks & introductions
Welcome Dinner
Monday
9:00 Daily Discussion
10:30 Field Seminar
Free / Self-Guided Study
Free time for dinner & evening
Tuesday
9:00 Daily Discussion
10:30 Field Seminar
Free / Self-Guided Study
Free time for dinner & evening
Wednesday
9:00 Daily Discussion
10:30 Field Seminar
Free / Self-Guided Study
Optional Extracurricular
Thursday
9:00 Daily Discussion
10:30 Field Seminar
Free / Self-Guided Study
Free time for dinner & evening
Friday
9:00 Daily Discussion
10:30 Field Seminar
Free / Self-Guided Study
Free time for dinner & evening
Saturday
Free Day / Optional Extracurricular
Farewell Dinner
Sunday
Depart at your leisure
Course schedule is subject to change. A final, detailed program will be shared with participants two weeks before the course begins.
What’s Included
Course materials, including pre-course reading list and suggested continued readings for after the course
All Field Seminar activities, transport, and entrance fees
Single-occupancy room in a 4-star hotel
Breakfast every day
Welcome Drinks & Dinner
Farewell Dinner
Options
DISCOUNT*: Share a Room - Participants who choose to share a room are eligible for a discount of either 10% off one participant’s enrollment or 5% off each. Please contact us before enrolling to confirm availability.
DISCOUNT*: Bring a Friend - Refer a friend who enrolls in the same Elective as you, and receive 5% off your own enrollment fee. You’ll receive 5% off for each friend you refer!
Travel Support - If you’d like to extend your time in Sicily or need help planning travel to or from Palermo, we’re happy to provide personalized advice and logistical support.
*Discounts cannot be combined. Any discount is applied as a reduction to your first installment payment, once both participants have enrolled.
Extracurriculars
Your Facilitator will organize two optional activities during free afternoons or evenings. Details and costs for these Extracurriculars will be provided one month in advance, and if you choose to participate, we will handle the booking. For outings such as concerts, performances, or tastings, your Facilitator will accompany you to the event.
These optional activities complement the many ways you’ll personalize your experience through Self-Guided Study and free time.
Extracurriculars for this course may include:
Street Food Walk Through Palermo
Palermo’s streets tell stories—in stone, in sound, and perhaps most vividly, in flavor. On this walk through the city’s historic quarters, we’ll sample the signature street foods that reflect Sicily’s multicultural past and enduring appetite for bold, unfussy cuisine. Expect to taste panelle (crispy chickpea fritters), arancine (saffron rice balls stuffed with ragù or cheese), and sfincione (a thick, spongy pizza topped with tomato, onion, anchovies, and breadcrumbs). Each bite carries a piece of the city’s layered history—and makes a compelling case for why Palermo is considered one of the world’s great street food capitals.
Evening Performance at the Teatro Massimo or Politeama
Palermo’s grand 19th-century theaters remain vital gathering places for music, opera, and dance. Depending on the season, we’ll attend a performance at either the majestic Teatro Massimo—Italy’s largest opera house—or the neoclassical Teatro Politeama. Whether it’s Verdi or contemporary Sicilian choreography, the evening offers not only cultural enrichment but a window into Palermo’s ongoing artistic revival and civic spirit.
Vineyard Visit & Wine Tasting
The hills west of Palermo have been producing wine for centuries. We'll visit a family-run vineyard committed to sustainable agriculture, artisanal production, and low-intervention winemaking. The winemakers themselves walk us through the property, sharing their philosophy on wine, olive oil, and a working apiary that's part of an active biodiversity project. The afternoon ends around a large table outside the farmhouse, tasting their wines and gaining a deeper understanding of Sicilian wine culture.
Boat Excursion Along the Palermo Coast
Sicily has always been shaped by the sea—and seeing Palermo from the water offers a striking new perspective on the city’s dramatic coastline. We’ll board a small boat for a scenic cruise past historic ports, rocky coves, and the skyline of Palermo framed by Monte Pellegrino. Spend the afternoon enjoying the city from a different angle, with sea breezes and panoramic views.
Accommodation
Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa
Elective aims to provide accommodations in safe, central locations that adhere to our standards of comfort and service. Hotels may not be the ones shown here, but will be of equal or better quality, while also accounting for convenience. Please note that hotels will not all have the exact same amenities. If there are amenities that you require, please reach out to us as early as possible so that we can do our best to help you secure them. Note: if the rooms are not all of the same category, the earliest participants to book will be assigned the higher category.
What to Expect
-
You can fly into PMO from Rome and a variety of other European hubs. Additionally there are a handful of flights each week from New York.
-
Palermo’s core is overwhelmingly pedestrian—many streets are car-free or restricted, making walking the primary mode of exploration. While taxis exist, they’re mostly used for journeys beyond the central zones—not for navigating the maze of alleys and narrow streets within the historic heart of the city. Be prepared to walk during Field Seminars and also to get around during your free time, often over uneven paving and varied terrain.
-
October in Palermo is usually mild and pleasant, though the weather can vary. Expect a mix of sunny days and the occasional rain shower. Temperatures typically range from the low 60s to mid-70s°F.
-
Italy uses the Euro. Euros can easily be obtained at ATMs at the airport upon arrival or at any bank in Palermo. Visa and Mastercard are generally accepted, though in smaller shops and restaurants and at street food stands, cash may be the only way to pay. AMEX is not widely accepted.
Check exchange fees with your bank and credit card provider before traveling.
-
Palermo has a robust healthcare system with several major hospitals and clinics offering quality medical care. As the capital of Sicily, it serves as a regional hub for both public and private healthcare services. Emergency care is accessible, and pharmacies are widespread throughout the city center.
Travel insurance is mandatory for participation. Please reach out if you have questions about this or would like recommendations of providers.
-
You will need to have a passport that is valid until 6 months after your travel ends. We will ask you to provide your passport information along with health & dietary information, an emergency contact, travel insurance, and your arrival and departure information.
-
Palermo is generally safe for travelers, especially in the well-trafficked areas of the historic center where your hotel is located. As in many Southern European cities, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take standard precautions—pickpocketing can occur in crowded places, and some neighborhoods are best avoided at night. That said, the atmosphere is lively and welcoming.
As with all international travel, we recommend that participants enroll in the U.S. State Department’s STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) to receive important updates and support while abroad.